The successful candidate for the Data Scientist/Bioinformatician position, will join a program that develops and applies innovative methods and tools to deliver insights for research and development advancement linking crop conservation, improvement, and utilization. They will combine multi-omics and data science with cutting-edge phenomic technologies to conserve & subsequently discover, optimize, and introgress novel traits from genebank collections for transfer to pre-breeding or breeding programs. Through this role they will lead the generation of high-quality structural and functional genomic resources for complex species, contribute to discover genes (associated traits) ultimately enabling the geneticists, breeders, & related disciplinary scientists to improve crop resilience (biotic and abiotic stress resistance) and quality. The position will be located at Clemson University.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education - Doctoral / Professional Degree
PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Functional Genomics or Computer Science. At least two years of work experience will be given preference.
Computational gene prediction and genome annotation in crops experience as well as experience with computational genomics, protein sequence-structure-function analysis, phylogenomics analysis, evolutionary and comparative genomics analysis methods.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Python or R programming languages for statistics or scientific programming. Experience in additional programming languages and technologies is a plus. Demonstrated experience in the development of large-scale, reproducible computational biology pipelines using version control and workflow managers. Demonstrated experience in high performance computing and cloud technologies. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, flexibility, and committed to learning broadly across relevant disciplines.
Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written) are expected

JOB KNOWLEDGE

Firm Job Knowledge - Firm working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to use in varied situations

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

15% - Walk or move about
75% - Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc
80% - Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
80% - Recognize or inspect visually
35% - Move, transport, raise or lower
75% - Extends hands or arms in any direction
85% - Perceive, observe, clarity of vision

JOB DUTIES:

40% - Non-Essential -
Design and execute genomics experiments, analyses, pipelines, and workflows to solve complex biological problems leading to discovery of novel candidate genes and phenotypes
Deliver computational biology expertise to elucidate the modes of action of genes affecting crop resilience or quality
Perform phylogenomics and comparative genomics analysis using genome sequence data to predict sequence-structure-function relationships

30% - Essential

• Deliver high quality, comprehensive structural and functional genome annotations
• Integrate and analyze multiple datatypes in the context of experimental observations with a goal towards formulating testable hypothesis

30% - Essential

• Communicate the results, interpretations and conclusions of data analysis projects including the confidence of predictions and suggest relevant/potential experiments for confirming computational analysis-based predictions
• Publishes in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals
• Develops and/or collaborate with research teams to apply for research grant opportunities
• Keeps abreast of current scientific advancement and attends supervisor-approved meetings, workshops, and conferences
• Organizes experimental progress in the form suitable for oral presentation or posters for scientific meetings

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No Supervisory Duties - Not responsible for supervising employees.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department’s budget.